Brassieres

ABSTRACT

Brassiers and bikini tops have generally vertical straps such as shoulder straps and neck straps which extend over the wearer&#39;s shoulder or clavicle and below the upper edge of a breast cup as a single strap with a lower front portion branching to a multi-strap configuration. Other brassieres use a single horizontal strap which passes through lower portions of breast cups and is securable on the side of the wearer or in front of the wearer.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/833,634, filed Apr. 12, 2019, which is herebyincorporated by reference.

Brassieres which provide additional support are disclosed. Oneembodiment of the disclosed brassieres is easier to use by a woman whohas limited or no use of one arm.

BACKGROUND

There is a need for brassieres which provide better support and comfort,particularly during times of high activity such as when the wearer isparticipating in sports. There is also a need for brassieres which canbe used by women amputees and other women with disabilities.

SUMMARY

One version of the disclosed brassieres comprises two breast cups, twoshoulder straps which respectively extend over each shoulder, and atleast one strap which extends generally horizontally, at least partiallyaround the torso of the wearer.

One embodiment of the disclosed brassieres comprises shoulder strapswhich extend to the front lower portion of the breast cups. The frontlower portion of each shoulder strap branches into a plurality ofstraps, e.g. branches into an inverted Y-configuration. In thisembodiment, the front portion of each shoulder strap has two lower endportions. The lower ends of each end portion of the shoulder strap areattached to a front, lower portion of a breast cup. Thus, in thisembodiment, each shoulder strap is connected to each breast cup at twospaced positions. The fork of the Y, i.e. the point at which a shoulderstrap splits into two sections, is preferably above the wearer's nipple.The angle formed by the lower front straps is preferably, but notlimited to, 45°. The provision of two connections between the lower endsof each shoulder strap and the lower portion of each breast cup moreevenly distributes the supporting forces of the shoulder strap to thebreast cup than a more common single point of attachment between abrassiere's shoulder strap and a top edge of a breast cup.

A second aspect of the disclosed brassieres comprises two breast cups,two shoulder straps and an adjustable, generally horizontal strap. Thebreast cups in this embodiment comprise a top edge, an upper portion anda lower portion. The lower portions of the breast cups in thisembodiment also comprise at least one and preferably a plurality ofslots through which the horizontal strap passes. The horizontal strapcomprises connectors for attaching a first portion of the strap to asecond portion of the strap. This embodiment permits the horizontalstrap to be attached to itself on the side of a wearer and isparticularly suitable for a wearer with limited or no use of one of herarms, for example an amputee, physical therapy patient, and women witharthritis. For example, if the wearer's right arm has been amputated,the wearer can use her left arm to secure the horizontal strap to itselfon the right side of her torso.

An alternative embodiment of the disclosed brassieres comprises twobreast cups, two shoulder straps and an adjustable, generally horizontalstrap with a front latching system. The breast cups in this embodimentcomprise a top edge, an upper portion and a lower portion. The lowerportions of the breast cups in this embodiment also comprise at leastone and preferably a plurality of slots through which the horizontalstrap passes. The horizontal strap and each breast cup or a decorativecover over the breast cups comprise, but is not limited to, connectors,e.g. Velcro®, for attaching the horizontal strap to the breast cups orcover. In this embodiment, the end portions of the horizontal strapextend through a first breast cup and are secured to the second breastcup or a cover on the second breast cup.

In a still further embodiment which comprises another front latchingsystem, a ring or similar structure is provided at a position generallycentral between the breast cups. Each end of the horizontal strapextends through a breast cup, through the ring or similar structure, andthen back to the same breast cup or breast cup cover through which thatend portion extends.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of a brassiere shown on theupper torso of a person.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment of a brassiere shown in FIG. 1shown on the upper torso of an amputee.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a first embodiment of a brassiere withportions removed and shown on the upper torso of a person.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a first embodiment of a brassiere with portionsremoved and shown on the upper torso of an amputee.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of a first embodiment of a brassiere shown on theupper torso of a person.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a first embodiment of a brassiere shown on theupper torso of an amputee with a disconnected horizontal strap.

FIG. 7 is a front, perspective view of a breast cup of a brassiere.

FIG. 8 is a front, perspective view of two shoulder straps of abrassiere.

FIG. 9 is a front view a horizontal strap and two breast cups of thefirst embodiment.

FIG. 10 is front view of a horizontal strap, two breast cups and twoshoulder straps of the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a front view of a second embodiment of a brassiere withportions removed and shown on the upper torso of a person.

FIG. 12 is a front view of a second embodiment of a brassiere shown onthe upper torso of a person.

FIG. 13 is a front view of a third embodiment of a brassiere withportions removed and shown on the upper torso of a person.

FIG. 14 is a front view of a third embodiment of a brassiere shown onthe upper torso of a person.

FIG. 15 illustrates a further embodiment comprising a multi-layeredbreast cup.

FIG. 16 is a front view of a bikini top embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a rear view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The various embodiments are directed to brassieres. As used herein, theterm “brassieres” includes sports bras, bikini tops and other swimwearrequiring support for breasts.

The illustrated embodiments of the disclosed brassieres comprise twobreast cups, two shoulder straps which are respectively designed toextend over each shoulder of the wearer, and at least one strap whichextends generally horizontally, at least partially around the torso ofthe wearer. One or more optional decorative covers are provided tobetter conceal the inner construction of the illustrated embodiments.

FIGS. 1-10 illustrate two aspects which are shown in a single brassierebut which can be implemented separately. The first of the two aspectsshown in FIGS. 1-10 is a branched shoulder strap which extends over thewearer's shoulder as a single strap, is a single strap at the top edgeof the breast cup and branches to a plurality of straps at a locationbetween the top edge and the bottom edge of the breast cup. The lowerbranches of the shoulder strap are secured, e.g. by sewing, to a lowerportion of the breast cup, preferably to a lower edge of the breast cup.The branching from a single strap to two or more front lower strapspreferably occurs at a location which is above the wearer's nipple whenthe brassiere is worn.

With reference to the figures, FIG. 1 is a front view of the firstillustrated embodiment which comprises a two shoulder straps 10 and 20and a front decorative cover 75. FIG. 2 is a side view of the firstillustrated embodiment showing a portion of shoulder strap 20,decorative cover 75 and a horizontal strap 50. As generally illustratedin FIGS. 3 and 4, the shoulder straps 10 and 20 are each formed as asingle strap from the portion which passes over the wearer's shoulder toa location below the upper edge of breast cups 30 and 40, respectively.The front lower portion of each shoulder strap branches into a pluralityof straps, e.g. branches into an inverted Y-configuration. Shoulderstrap 10 branches into two lower branches 12 and 16, while shoulderstrap 20 branches into two lower branches 22 and 26. In this illustratedembodiment, the front portion of each shoulder strap has two lower endportions but other embodiments can comprise a greater number of lowerportions. The lower portions may, but are not necessarily, the samewidth. The front lower ends of each shoulder strap are secured to afront, lower portion of a breast cup. Thus, in this embodiment, eachshoulder strap is connected to each breast cup at two spaced, frontlower positions. The fork of the Y, i.e. the point at which a shoulderstrap splits into two sections, is preferably above the wearer's nipple.

The “shoulder straps” described above can also be neck straps, such asin a bikini embodiment described below in connection with FIGS. 16 and17. As used herein, the term “generally vertical strap” is meant toinclude shoulder straps and neck straps.

In an embodiment, the point at which a shoulder strap or neck strapsplits into multiple straps is preferably about one inch to aboutfifteen inches below the top edge of the breast cup.

The point at which the shoulder or neck strap splits The provision oftwo spaced connections between the lower ends of each shoulder strap anda lower portion the breast cup more evenly distributes the supportingforces of the shoulder strap to the breast cup than a more common singlepoint of attachment between a brassiere's shoulder strap and the topedge of a breast cup.

The upper front portions of each shoulder strap 10, 20 is optionallyprovided with a length and tension adjustment component 11, 21,respectively, such as a strap slide.

A second aspect of the brassiere illustrated in FIGS. 1-10 comprises anadjustable, generally horizontal strap 50 which extends through lowerportions of each of the breast cups and substantially around the torsoof the wearer. As best shown in FIG. 7, the breast cup 30 in thisembodiment comprises an upper edge 32, an upper portion 34 and a lowerportion 38. The lower portion 38 of breast cup 30 in this embodimentalso comprises at least one and preferably a plurality of slots 35through which the horizontal strap 50 passes. Breast cup 30 alsocomprises a recess 36 which is dimensioned to receive the front lowerportion of shoulder strap 10. Breast cup 40 is configured substantiallyas a mirror image of breast cup 30.

The horizontal strap 50 comprises connectors 53, 54 for attaching afirst end portion of the strap 50 to a second portion of the strap 50.This embodiment permits the horizontal strap 50 to be attached to itselfon the side of a wearer and is particularly suitable for a wearer withlimited or no use of one of her arms. For example, if the wearer's rightarm has been amputated, the wearer can use her left arm to secure thehorizontal strap 50 to itself on the right side of her torso. Suitableconnectors include hook-and-eye fasteners, strap slides, magnets,Velcro®, zipper, clips, snap-ons, laces and the like.

FIG. 4 is a left side view of the first illustrated embodiment showinghorizontal strap 50 extending around the side of an amputee. FIG. 5 is arear view of this embodiment showing shoulder straps 10 and 20 connectedto horizontal strap 50 with connectors 51, 52, respectively. While it isfeasible to fix the rear portions of the shoulder straps to horizontalstrap 50, the use of selectively releasable connectors allows the wearerthe option of crossing the shoulder straps when desired. Connectors 51and 52 can be the same type of connectors used for securing the endportions of horizontal 50 to each other. FIG. 6 is a right-side view ofthe first illustrated embodiment showing the connectors 53, 54 onopposite end portions of strap 50 in an unsecured configuration. Asillustrated with connector 54, it is not necessary that these connectorsbe positioned on the very end of the horizontal strap.

FIG. 8 illustrates the shoulder straps 10, 20 of the first illustratedembodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates horizontal strap 50 passing through the slots ofbreast cups 30, 40, respectively. FIG. 9 also shows recesses 36, 46 inbreast cups 30, 40, respectively, which receive shoulder straps 10, 20.

FIG. 10 shows all of the components of the first illustrated embodiment,with the exception of optional decorative cover 75. FIG. 10 showsshoulder straps 10, 20, breast cups 30, 40 and horizontal strap 50.

As noted above, a brassiere can benefit from incorporating one aspect ofthe disclosed brassieres without necessarily incorporating anotheraspect even though the first illustrated embodiment described hereinincludes two aspects.

A third aspect of the disclosed brassieres is illustrated in FIGS. 11and 12 and comprises two shoulder straps 110, 120, two breast cups 130,140 and an adjustable, generally horizontal strap 150 with a frontlatching system. The lower portions of the breast cups 130, 140 in thisillustrated embodiment also comprise at least one and preferably aplurality of slots through which the horizontal strap 150 passes. As inthe embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 1-10, theembodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 comprises a single horizontal strap150. The illustrated front latching mechanism operates by securing afirst end portion 155 of horizontal strap 150 to the decorative cover176 positioned over the left breast cup 140 and a second end portion 157of horizontal strap 150 to the decorative cover 175 positioned over theright breast cup 130. In this embodiment, the opposite ends ofhorizontal strap 150 cross each other. The actual connector used can beone or more of the connectors described above with respect to connectors53 and 54. The use of a front latching system is more convenient forsome users, particularly users who are partially disabled.

A fourth aspect of the disclosed brassieres is illustrated in FIGS. 13and 14 and comprises two shoulder straps 210, 220, two breast cups 230,240 and an adjustable, generally horizontal strap 250 with a frontlatching system. The lower portions of the breast cups 230, 240 in thisillustrated embodiment also comprise at least one and preferably aplurality of slots through which the horizontal strap 250 passes. As inthe embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 1-10, theembodiment shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 comprises a single horizontal strap250. The illustrated front latching mechanism illustrated in FIGS. 13and 14 does not necessitate the crossing of horizontal strap 250 andutilizes a ring 280 or similar component such as a double strap slidewhich allows each end of horizontal strap 250 to be folded back in thedirection from which it was woven through the slots 235 of the breastcups. FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate the use of a ring 280. The ringoperates by passing a first end portion 255 of horizontal strap 250which passes through right breast cup 230 through ring 280 and securingthe first end portion 255 to the decorative cover 275 positioned overthe right breast cup 230. Similarly, a second end portion 257 ofhorizontal strap 250 which passes through left breast cup 240 is passedthrough ring 280 and secured to the decorative cover 276 positioned overthe left breast cup 240. Thus, in this embodiment, the ends ofhorizontal strap 250 do not cross in front of the wearer. The manner ofsecuring the horizontal strap 250 to the cover can be any suitablemethod. For example, connectors such as one or more of the connectorsdescribed above with respect to connectors 53 and 54 can be utilized. Aswith the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the use of a frontlatching system is more convenient for some users, particularly userswho are partially disabled.

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 comprises separatedecorative covers 275, 276 over breast cups 230, 240, respectively.While the embodiments described above in connection with FIGS. 1-12 areshown with single decorative covers, the breast cups in thoseembodiments can also be provided with two or more decorative covers. Thedecorative covers are preferably fixedly secured to the breast cups,e.g. by sewing.

The disclosed horizontal straps can be formed of a material with elasticproperties which permit stretching during use or can have a fixedlength. The term “strap” as used herein includes a stretchable structuremore commonly referred to as a band. A plurality of complementaryfasteners are optionally provided at different positions on thehorizontal strap to allow the wearer to adjust the length and tension onthe horizontal strap.

The breast cups of still further embodiments are formed in multiplelayers with the inverted Y-shaped portion of the shoulder strapssandwiched between layers of the breast cup and with the generallyhorizontal straps passing through the inner layer of each breast cup.FIG. 15 illustrates an alternate embodiment comprising an outer breastcup 330, a shoulder strap 310 and an inner breast cup 332.

FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate a bikini top embodiment which comprising asingle neck strap 410 comprising right lower straps 412, 416 and leftlower straps 422, 426, a right tension adjuster 411, a left tensionadjuster 421, right breast cup 430, left breast cup 440 and horizontalstrap 450. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 1-10, but has a single neck strap 410 rather than two shoulderstraps.

While the illustrated embodiments each comprise two breast cups, otherembodiments of the branched shoulder strap and horizontal strap comprisea single breast cup and are useful for persons having a single breast,e.g. a mastectomy patient.

1. A brassiere comprising a front portion and a rear portion, saidbrassiere comprising: at least one breast cup adapted to support abreast and comprising a top portion, an upper edge and a bottom portion;at least one generally vertical strap extending from said rear portionto said bottom portion of said breast cup; at least one generallyhorizontal strap; said at least one generally vertical strap extendingfrom the top portion of a breast cup to the bottom portion of saidbreast cup, said at least one vertical strap comprising a single strapproximate the top portion of said breast cup and branching into aplurality of lower, front straps at a first location which is below thetop portion of said breast cup and above the bottom portion of saidbreast cup such that a plurality of lower, front straps extend to thebottom portion of said breast cup.
 2. A brassiere according to claim 1wherein said at least one vertical strap branches into two lower, frontstraps.
 3. A brassiere according to claim 1 wherein said at least onevertical strap comprises two shoulder straps.
 4. A brassiere accordingto claim 1 wherein said generally horizontal strap forms at least a partof said rear portion and said shoulder straps are connected to saidgenerally horizontal strap.
 5. A brassiere according to claim 1 whereinsaid at least one vertical strap is a neck strap.
 6. A brassiereaccording to claim 1 wherein said first location is above a wearer'snipple.
 7. A brassiere according to claim 1 wherein said first locationis about one inches to about three inches below the top edge of said atleast one breast cup.
 8. A brassiere according to claim 1 comprising twobreast cups wherein said breast cups comprise slots in said bottomportions and said generally horizontal strap extends through said slotsin said breast cups.
 9. A brassiere according to claim 8 wherein saidgenerally horizontal strap comprises connectors for attaching a firstportion of said generally horizontal strap to a second portion of saidgenerally horizontal strap.
 10. A brassiere according to claim 1 whereinsaid at least one breast cup comprises slots in said bottom portion andsaid generally horizontal strap extends through said slots in saidbreast cup.
 11. A brassiere according to claim 8 wherein said generallyhorizontal strap comprises connectors for attaching a first portion ofsaid generally horizontal strap to a second portion of said generallyhorizontal strap.
 12. A brassiere according to claim 1 furthercomprising at least one decorative cover over at least one of saidbreast cups.
 13. A brassiere comprising a front portion and a rearportion, said brassiere comprising: two breast cups, each adapted tosupport a breast, and each comprising a top portion, an upper edge and abottom portion; at least one generally vertical strap extending fromsaid rear portion to said bottom portion of said breast cups; at leastone generally horizontal strap; said breast cups comprise slots in saidbottom portions and said generally horizontal strap extends through saidslots in said breast cups; said generally horizontal strap comprisesconnectors for attaching a first portion of said generally horizontalstrap to a second portion of said generally horizontal strap.
 14. Abrassiere comprising a front portion and a rear portion, said brassierecomprising: two breast cups, each adapted to support a breast, and eachcomprising a top portion, an upper edge and a bottom portion; at leastone generally vertical strap extending from said rear portion to saidbottom portion of said breast cups; at least one generally horizontalstrap; said breast cups comprise slots in said bottom portions and saidgenerally horizontal strap extends through said slots in said breastcups; said generally horizontal strap comprises at least one connectorfor securing the ends of the horizontal strap in front of the wearer.15. A brassiere according to claim 14 wherein opposite end portions ofsaid horizontal strap cross in front of a wearer when the horizontalstraps are secured.
 16. A brassiere according to claim 14 whereinopposite end portions of said horizontal strap do not cross in front ofa wearer when the horizontal straps are secured.
 17. A brassiereaccording to claim 14 wherein said at least one generally vertical strapextends from the top portion of a breast cup to the bottom portion ofsaid breast cup, said at least one vertical strap comprises a singlestrap proximate the top portion of said breast cup and branching into aplurality of lower, front straps at a first location which is below thetop portion of said breast cup and above the bottom portion of saidbreast cup such that a plurality of lower, front straps extend to thebottom portion of said breast cup.
 18. A brassiere according to claim 14wherein said at least one vertical strap comprises two shoulder straps.19. A brassiere according to claim 14 wherein said generally horizontalstrap forms at least a part of said rear portion and said shoulderstraps are connected to said generally horizontal strap.
 20. A brassiereaccording to claim 14 wherein said at least one vertical strap is a neckstrap.